Three newcomers in S African side
CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- South Africa coach Jake White has named three new caps to face Ireland in Bloemfontein on Saturday in the first of two tests.
Prop Eddie Andrews, wing Henno Mentz and scrumhalf Fourie du Preez are the newcomers among nine changes to the Springbok team that lost 29-9 to New Zealand in the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup.
White has had to accommodate six injuries in his 22-man squad since it was convened two weeks ago.
The Springbok team will be captained by Sharks hooker John Smit, who leads South Africa for the second time after captaining the side against Georgia in Sydney at the 2003 World Cup.
Prop Os du Randt and fullback Gaffie du Toit earn recalls, having not played for their country since 1999.
Du Randt is the sole surviving member of the 1995 World Cup-winning team while reserve centre Wayne Julies last played for the Springboks against Spain at the 1999 World Cup.
